Miri – 19 May 2016 – As the largest international campus of Curtin University with a student population of about 4,000 from over 45 nations, Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) has a firm commitment to multiculturalism and international engagement. Staff from some 15 countries further strengthens its global outlook.
Being part of Curtin University, which is Western Australia’s largest and most multicultural university and one ranked as the 26th most international university in the world in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016, Curtin Sarawak strives to create a welcoming community that celebrates diversity.
This was evidenced in its recent day-long International Festival or iFest 2016, a spectacular annual celebration of cultural diversity at its campus, where students, staff and members of the public got to enjoy an eclectic programme of cultural and culinary showcases.
In addition to the opportunity to indulge in the cuisines and cultural dances of various countries, visitors to iFest 2016 witnessed the first-ever ‘Uttarayan’ kite festival in Miri.
‘Uttarayan’ is a kite festival held in Gujarat, India and is hailed as one of the country’s biggest festivals. It marks the beginning of the sun’s transition into the zodiac of Capricorn and also marks the start of spring.
“As iFest 2016 was jointly organised by the Curtin Sarawak Student Council and International Student Association with the Curtin Indian Cultural Society, we thought it would be nice to add this unique element of Indian culture to the event,” said organising chairperson Umar Abbas.
Umar attributed the success of iFest 2016 to the dedication and hard work of the event committee members, as well as the tremendous response from students, staff and the public. Over 800 visitors attended throughout the day and well into the night.
Pro-Vice Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Sarawak Professor Jim Mienczakowski, in his opening speech, said the cultural diversity at Curtin Sarawak adds a rich and valuable dimension to its campus atmosphere, preparing all its graduates to live and work effectively in an increasingly global environment.
He added that events like the iFest are all about connecting; forming friendships, networks and partnerships, and making an impact on each other’s lives. They go a long way towards building mutual respect and understanding, not just within the campus community but also with the local community, which is considered the most cosmopolitan and culturally-diverse in Sarawak.
iFest 2016 was supported by Media Permata and The Borneo Bulletin, Ernst & Young, Crowe Horwath, Fish & Co, Kenny Rogers Roasters, and the International Division of Curtin Sarawak.
Enrolment for Curtin Sarawak’s second semester intake is now in progress with classes for undergraduate and foundation programmes commencing on 1 August 2016 and 15 August 2016 respectively.
科廷大学（澳洲大学马来西亚分校） Curtin University Sarawak Malaysia
http://www.fsi.com.my/curtin-sarawak/
Bombs away! Colour bombs make for a colourful festival.
Cultural performance by Indonesian students.
African students winners of iFest 2016 Cultural Performance Competition.
